For some people, chrysanthemums — also known as mums — may be nothing more than a hardy flowering plant commonly found in garden beds and flowerpots. For others, however, this pretty flower is known to provide an array of medicinal benefits. In fact, it's been used as a traditional herbal tea for hundreds of years in some Eastern countries.1
While chrysanthemum tea may not be the first drink you'd think of when looking for a soothing beverage, its potential health benefits make it worthy of your consideration. Read on to find out how regular sips of chrysanthemum tea may help improve your well-being and how you can make this beverage at home.
What Is Chrysanthemum Tea?
Chrysanthemum tea is an herbal infusion made from the dried flowers of the chrysanthemum plant, which was once revered by the educated elite as one of the four noble plants in ancient China. Known as "ju hua" in Chinese, chrysanthemum was used as an herbal remedy in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) as early as 1500 B.C.2
The earliest record of chrysanthemum tea's medicinal properties is found in one of the oldest Chinese herb books, the "Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing," or "Divine Farmer's Materia Medica." According to this book, when consumed regularly, chrysanthemum tea may help improve the flow of qi (energy) and blood, as well as slow down aging.3
Today, there are around 40 species of chrysanthemum, which come in various shapes, colors and sizes. Of all these species, Chrysanthemum indicum and Chrysanthemum morifolium are the types commonly brewed into teas.4 When steeped in water, dried chrysanthemum flowers yield a golden-hued tea with a light, refreshing taste and slight floral aroma.5
7 Outstanding Health Benefits of Chrysanthemum Tea
The potential health benefits of chrysanthemum tea are backed not only by its long history of use in TCM, but also by a number of research studies that support its medicinal uses, such as helping:6
1. Ease stress and anxiety — Chrysanthemum tea has long been shown to ease stress and anxiety by promoting relaxation and relieving insomnia. The anxiolytic-like effect of this herbal tea is believed to result from its chlorogenic acid content.7
2. Improve cardiovascular health — Chrysanthemum tea is a good source of potassium,8 a mineral that helps you maintain a regular heartbeat by supporting the contraction of your heart muscles. Studies have shown that a higher potassium intake may lead to a lower risk of stroke, coronary heart disease and other cardiovascular diseases.9
3. Protect against oxidative damage — A study that evaluated 25 Chinese medicinal herbs for their antioxidant effect showed chrysanthemum had the highest antioxidant activity due to its high phenolic content.10 Chrysanthemum tea also contains vitamins A and C,11 both of which act as powerful antioxidants to help keep free radical damage at bay.
4. Inhibit inflammation — According to a study published in the journal Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Letters, chrysanthemum flowers contain several compounds that may help relieve inflammation.12 This makes chrysanthemum tea a good herbal remedy for health issues that involve inflammation like headaches.13
5. Support healthy immune function — Chrysanthemum tea contains many vitamins and minerals that are essential for maintaining a healthy immune system, including vitamin C, magnesium, calcium and potassium.14
6. Improve eye health — As mentioned, chrysanthemum tea is a good source of vitamin A,15 an essential nutrient for healthy vision, which protects against eye disorders such as macular degeneration.16
7. Lower your risk for osteoporosis — Based on research published in the Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine journal, the plant extract present in chrysanthemum tea may help lower your risk for osteoporosis by stimulating bone formation and inhibiting bone resorption.17
In addition to the health benefits mentioned above, chrysanthemum tea is also known for its cooling effect, which is why it's traditionally used for alleviating flu, fever and sore throats.18
Does Chrysanthemum Tea Have Caffeine?
Similar to other herbal teas, chrysanthemum tea is naturally caffeine-free,19 which makes it a great alternative to drinks containing caffeine, such as coffee and black tea. This means you can safely drink a cup of chrysanthemum tea because it won't cause any caffeine-related side effects, like jitteriness, nervousness, irritation or sleep difficulties.
How to Make a Perfectly Brewed Cup of Chrysanthemum Tea
You can brew a cup of relaxing chrysanthemum tea any time of the day because the process is quick and easy. Simply follow these steps:20
- Bring a cup of water to a boil and then add 1 tablespoon of dried chrysanthemum flowers.
- Let the mixture steep for about five minutes; the longer you steep the tea, the stronger its flavor and color will be.21
You can either drink your freshly brewed chrysanthemum tea as is, or sweeten it with a bit of honey or stevia. You can also try other recipes involving chrysanthemum tea. Some people add goji berries to this tea for a sweet-and-sour flavor twist;22 the berries also increase the tea's antioxidant content.23
How to Store Chrysanthemum Tea
As with other types of tea, the quality of chrysanthemum tea may deteriorate when exposed to air, moisture, heat and strong odors. To keep them fresh, make sure to store your dried chrysanthemum flowers (or teabags) in an airtight glass container. Place it in a cool, dry area, away from direct sunlight and strong odors.24
Potential Side Effects of Chrysanthemum Tea
There are a few side effects associated with chrysanthemum tea, and it's important to avoid this drink if you're sensitive to any member of the Asteraceae (daisy) family of plants. This family of plants includes ragweed, marigold, dandelion and daisy. If you have a sensitivity to any of these plants, drinking chrysanthemum tea may cause you to develop allergic reactions, like rashes or respiratory irritation.
There is insufficient information to verify the safety of chrysanthemum tea for pregnant and breastfeeding women. For that reason, it's always best to avoid consuming this tea until you consult with your physician regarding its safety for you and your baby.25,26
Make Sure You're Using Only Organic Chrysanthemum Tea
Not every chrysanthemum tea on the market is made with quality ingredients, and some brands may be contaminated with pesticides and other garden chemicals that may be harmful for your health.27 To safeguard your health, buy only trusted organic brands.
If you're planning to grow your own chrysanthemums, be sure to start with organic seeds and avoid using garden chemicals. Also, never harvest chrysanthemums from the side of the road or public areas where pesticides are routinely sprayed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Chrysanthemum Tea
Q: Where can you buy chrysanthemum tea?
A: You can buy chrysanthemum tea online, from health food stores or at Asian groceries.28
Q: What is chrysanthemum tea good for?
A: Chrysanthemum tea may help relieve your stress and anxiety,29 fight the negative effects of free radicals,30 maintain your eye and cardiovascular health,31 reduce your risk of osteoporosis,32 and support healthy immune function, among other benefits.33
Q: Who should avoid chrysanthemum tea?
A: You should avoid chrysanthemum tea if you are allergic to any member of the Asteraceae (daisy) family of plants, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.34